The Lawrence school board on Monday approved a new principal for Sunset Hill Elementary School.
Courtney Ellis, currently assistant principal and athletic director at Billy Mills Middle school, will fill the permanent position of Sunset principal in place of Howard Diacon, who has served in the interim.
Ellis will begin in her new role in July, after finishing the year at Billy Mills.
Ellis said in a news release from the district Monday night that as a product of the neighborhood, stepping into this role feels like coming home.
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“I’m honored to put down roots in this community and eager to partner with the dedicated staff and families who make a difference for students every day,” she said in the release.
Ellis earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Kansas and her master’s through Fort Hays State University. She received her educational administration licensure from Emporia State University, according to the release.
Ellis came back to the district in 2018 as an academic interventionist at Deerfield and Quail Run, then taught at Schwegler and Quail Run. She worked as a student support facilitator at West Middle School prior to her role at BMMS.
“Courtney Ellis brings what we all hope to find in a principal leader, and that is a positive, energetic and collaborative leadership style,” Superintendent Jeanice Swift said during Monday’s board meeting. “And she is grounded in what is required, and that is a child-centered, student-first approach to leadership. I know that she will do well alongside the Sunset Hill staff. They are second to none.”
The district is planning to coordinate opportunities for school families to meet Ellis in the coming months.
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